1

Disney Character Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume--and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it! Key Responsibilities * Drive mechanical design and ...

Senior Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

... design, cloud connectivity, and testing support. Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume--and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it.

Senior Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

... database design, cloud connectivity, and testing support. Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it! Key Responsibilities * Drive mechanical design and ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it! Key Responsibilities * Drive mechanical design and ...

Systems Designer

Glendale, CA · Remote

$91K - $140K/yr

Combat Design, Progression Design, Economy Design, Gameplay Mechanics Design, 3C's (Character ... Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings ...

Senior Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

... database design, cloud connectivity, and testing support. Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are ...

... design, cloud connectivity, and testing support. Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resumeand make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it. Key ...

Senior Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

... database design, cloud connectivity, and testing support. Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are ...

Mechanical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

You move quickly from CAD to prototype, adapt easily as the design space evolves, and thrive in environments where not everything is fully defined. Please include the Disney character that best ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it! Key Responsibilities * Drive mechanical design and ...

... the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it. Key Responsibilities * Drive electrical design and integration ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$165K - $195K/yr

... the Disney character that best describes you in your resume--and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it. Key Responsibilities * Drive electrical design and integration ...

Mechanical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

You move quickly from CAD to prototype, adapt easily as the design space evolves, and thrive in environments where not everything is fully defined. Please include the Disney character that best ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Disney Character Design information

See salary details

$104.5K

$120.5K

$128.5K

How much do disney character design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for disney character design in the United States is $120,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,000.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do Disney imagineers make?

Disney Imagineers, who design and develop attractions and experiences for Disney theme parks, typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually depending on experience and role. Entry-level positions may start lower, while senior designers and managers can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and creative project opportunities.

How much do Disney set designers make?

Disney set designers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience and project scope. They often work in theatrical or theme park environments, utilizing skills in set construction, design software, and collaboration with production teams.

What is a Disney Character Design job?

A Disney Character Design job involves creating visually compelling and unique characters that align with Disney's storytelling and artistic style. Character designers develop concept art, refine character personalities, and collaborate with animators, directors, and writers to ensure designs fit the project's narrative. They must have strong artistic skills, creativity, and an understanding of anatomy, expression, and movement. This role is essential in bringing Disney's animated films, TV shows, and theme park attractions to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Disney Character Design position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Disney Character Designer, you need a strong foundation in drawing, visual storytelling, anatomy, and character development, typically backed by a degree in illustration, animation, or a related field. Proficiency with digital illustration tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and drawing tablets, along with experience using animation software like Toon Boom or Autodesk Maya, is highly valued. Creativity, collaboration, strong communication, and the ability to accept feedback are essential soft skills in this role. These qualifications are vital for consistently producing iconic, appealing characters that align with Disney’s brand and storytelling standards while working effectively in a team-driven environment.

What does a typical workday look like for a Disney Character Designer?

A typical day for a Disney Character Designer involves brainstorming new concepts, sketching character ideas, refining designs based on feedback, and collaborating closely with other artists, storytellers, and animators. Designers often attend team meetings to review project briefs and align on creative direction, as well as work independently to develop presentation materials. There is a strong emphasis on iteration, with designers revising artwork to meet narrative goals and ensure consistency with established visual styles. The role offers a dynamic mix of individual creativity and teamwork, making communication and flexibility key to success in daily responsibilities.

How much do character designers make at Disney?

Character designers at Disney typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level within the company. Entry-level designers may start lower, while experienced artists with strong portfolios and skills in digital tools can earn higher salaries.

How to get jobs as a character designer?

To get jobs as a character designer, build a strong portfolio showcasing your original character concepts and art skills, and gain experience through internships or freelance projects. Proficiency in design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and understanding of character anatomy and storytelling are essential. Networking within the industry and applying to animation studios, gaming companies, or entertainment firms can also improve job prospects.
What cities are hiring for Disney Character Design jobs? Cities with the most Disney Character Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Disney Character Design jobs? The most popular types of Disney Character Design jobs are:
What states have the most Disney Character Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Disney Character Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Disney Character Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,531 per year, or $57.9 per hour.
Color Design Lead - Disney Television Animation

Color Design Lead - Disney Television Animation

The Walt Disney Company

Glendale, CA • On-site

$74.68 - $88.56/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Walt Disney Company rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 50 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Color Design Lead - Disney Television Animation

Req ID:

10155683

Job Description:

About this Role and our Studio

Disney Television Animation(DTVA)has over 40 years of legacy as a top producer of kids & family entertainment. Our work is integraltoThe Walt Disney Company, bringing Disney-branded characters and stories to families' homes across the globe.

DTVA createsboth long-form and short-form content spanningtraditional2D, rig-based 2D, CG (preschool), CG (premium), and stop-motion.We createshows ina broad range of unique and innovative styles, and we aim to match the right talent with the right production in terms of skill and artistic style.

Bysubmittingan applicationfor thisColor Design Lead role, youmaybeconsideredforanyColor Design Leadpositions that arise until theexpirationdate provided.

Applications submitted to this job posting will remain valid until December 31, 2026.

Whatyou willdo

  • Work closely with the Executive Producer, Director, and Art Director on all aspects of the series' look, color and tone

  • Obtain Creative Leadership approval on all color models that are created for each episode prior to shipping to the assigned vendor animation studio

  • Assist and work closely with Background Painters with creating and maintaining consistency in regards to the color and design of the series

  • If applicable, create color scripts or palettes to guide all color choices for each episode based on the story needs, in addition to the Production Designer and/or Art Director's general artistic direction

  • Manage the Color Design team through distributing handouts, providing notes, and revisions in preparation for an art review

  • Manage, execute, and maintain color style props, effects, character turnarounds, expressions, special poses, and size comps to the vendor animation studio for each shipment as it pertains to its assigned episode

  • If applicable, responsible for filling out all route sheets for the series

  • Work with the Art Director to review and approve pre-production color designs and storybook elements from the animation studio if applicable

  • Assist in the post- production and retakes process regarding an Color materials

  • Adhere to the production schedule provided by Producer to ensure cost effective, timely production

Required Qualificationsand Skills

  • 5-7 years of experience in artistic animation production

  • Experience leading a team preferred

  • Strong ability to adapt and align with style and color sensibility of show

  • Illustration or traditional artand paintingskills

  • Deep understanding of Color Theory

  • Knowledge of drawing software including Illustrator, Photoshop, Painter,Harmonyand 3D technology where applicable

  • They must be experienced in the creation of detailed style guides and be comfortable dealing with internal and external departmentson a daily basis

  • A broad knowledge of artistic styles, latest technology, film, and storytellingis essential

  • Excellent organizational, verbal, written, e-social skills and insight

  • Able to work independently in a fast paced environment

  • Positive attitude with the ability to be flexible

Education

  • Bachelordegree or equivalent work experience

Job Location

  • This is a fully on-site role based in Glendale, CA.

The pay rate for this role in California is $74.68 to $88.56 per hour, which follows the pay scale agreed upon in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The base pay actually offered may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

Job Posting Segment:

Disney Branded Television

Job Posting Primary Business:

TVA Production Management

Primary Job Posting Category:

Production

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-07-09

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Walt Disney logo

About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

Social media